Oxford Harlequins were plunged into the South West 1 relegation battle after an embarrassing 26-7 defeat at Clevedon, who have already gone down.

Quins were as high as second in the early part of the season and have been mid-table until recently.

But three defeats in a row, coupled with some improved form from Bracknell and Chippenham, have left the Oxfordshire Cup winners in real trouble.

If visitors Chippenham beat Quins by 13 points or more on the final day of the season and Bracknell defeat Reading, Matt Maudsley's men WILL be relegated.

Despite only winning once previously, Clevedon were too strong for a lacklustre Quins side, which saw ten changes from their county cup triumph.

Quins were caught cold in the first minute when Clevedon lock John Potts was driven over in the corner and No 8 James Shopland converted from the touch line.

Quick hands and good interplay by forwards and backs created space for centre Andy Henley to go on a superb side-stepping run and score under the posts.

Scrum half Pete Davis converted.

Davis and fly half Beau Wilson tried hard to get the Quins line moving, but they were disjointed, to say the least.

Cleveland scrum half Steve Johnson bagged try No 2 on 22 minutes and Shopland again converted.

In the second half Quins were unlucky. A superb break by centre Duncan Lynchsmith saw him tackled inches from the Clevedon line.

Quins pressed hard, but were denied several times by last ditch defence.

In the 62nd minute, Clevedon struck to send Shopland over for a try, which he converted.

The Quins pack, in which flanker Matt Young was outstanding, kept Clevedon under pressure.

But in the 77th minute, Clevedon sealed the game when Shopland went over for the final try.

This was probably the worst performance that Quins have given since they have been in South West 1.